Apple Sainte-Catherine’s Grand Reopening: A Celebration of Innovation and Community
On January 16, 2026, Apple unveiled its newly relocated Sainte-Catherine store in Montreal, marking a significant milestone in its nearly two-decade presence in the city. The grand reopening attracted a multitude of eager customers and featured special events that underscored Apple’s commitment to community engagement and innovation.
A Historic Move to a Landmark Location
Originally announced in April 2024, the relocation of Apple Sainte-Catherine was part of Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its retail spaces. The new store is situated at the corner of Sainte-Catherine Street West and Rue de la Montagne, occupying a historic building that has been meticulously restored to blend its rich heritage with modern design elements. The facade, crafted from local granite, and the restored copper cornice pay homage to Montreal’s architectural legacy. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/17/apple-sainte-catherine-reopens-with-crowds-and-artist-signings?utm_source=openai))
A Spacious and Inclusive Retail Environment
The new location boasts a retail space twice the size of its predecessor, offering a more expansive and comfortable environment for customers. The interior features Apple’s signature wooden tables at varying heights, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Wide aisles and thoughtfully designed access routes accommodate wheelchair users, reflecting Apple’s dedication to inclusivity. At the rear of the store, customers can find the Apple Pickup area and the Genius Bar, staffed by nearly 200 specialists proficient in multiple languages, ready to provide expert assistance. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/17/apple-sainte-catherine-reopens-with-crowds-and-artist-signings?utm_source=openai))
Celebrating Local Artistry
To commemorate the reopening, Apple collaborated with Montreal-based illustrator and designer Catherine Potvin. Potvin led live iPad art demonstrations during the opening weekend, showcasing the creative potential of Apple’s technology. She also designed exclusive Apple logos, store wallpapers, and launch graphics, infusing the space with a unique artistic flair. Customers attending the opening events received special Apple shopping bags featuring Potvin’s illustrations, adding a personalized touch to their experience. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/17/apple-sainte-catherine-reopens-with-crowds-and-artist-signings?utm_source=openai))
A Testament to Community and Innovation
Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail and People, attended the grand opening and expressed her enthusiasm for the new store. For nearly 20 years, we’ve been proud to be part of the downtown Montreal community, whose spirit of creativity and innovation continues to inspire us, O’Brien stated. We’re incredibly excited to build on this long-standing relationship and create a destination where our customers can experience the very best of Apple, from our innovative products to the expert care and support of our amazing team. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/17/apple-sainte-catherine-reopens-with-crowds-and-artist-signings?utm_source=openai))
A Broader Retail Expansion
The reopening of Apple Sainte-Catherine is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and expand its retail presence worldwide. Similar initiatives include the reopening of Apple Ginza in Tokyo, which returned to its original location with a modern, sustainable redesign, and the renovation of Apple Confluence in Lyon, France, featuring subtle yet significant improvements. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/09/23/apple-ginza-reopens-at-its-first-home-with-a-modern-sustainable-redesign?utm_source=openai))
Looking Ahead
With 28 retail stores across Canada, including five in Quebec, Apple continues to strengthen its connection with local communities. The new Sainte-Catherine store stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, fostering creativity, and honoring the cultural heritage of the regions it serves.
